Fishing. Close-up shut of a fish hook under water

The Water Foundation partners to protect and preserve water for people, for nature, and for our future.

A woman explores new, magical, and fantastic places around the world, surrounded by nature and spreading her arms to breathe and relax. Female hiker crossing the forest creek
A woman explores new, magical, and fantastic places around the world, surrounded by nature and spreading her arms to breathe and relax. Female hiker crossing the forest creek

As a connector of resources and relationships, the Water Foundation knows water issues are best solved through collaboration. That’s why we strategize across sectors and geographies, working directly with the communities most impacted by water challenges and the most capable of addressing them. Together with the coalitions we convene, the advocates we trust, and the policymakers we work with to implement change, we search for innovative solutions to ensure water is clean, reliable, and affordable for all.

Taos, New Mexico, USA at Rio Grande Gorge Bridge over the Rio Grande at dusk

As a connector of resources and relationships, the Water Foundation knows water issues are best solved through collaboration. That’s why we strategize across sectors and geographies, working directly with the communities most impacted by water challenges and the most capable of addressing them. Together with the coalitions we convene, the advocates we trust, and the policymakers we work with to implement change, we search for innovative solutions to ensure water is clean, reliable, and affordable for all.

Whether it’s flowing through forests and faucets or used on farms and for families, the Water Foundation is the only intermediary foundation solely focused on water and its interconnected impacts. We are dedicated to advancing lasting solutions that ensure our most vital shared resource is here today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

Irish terrier dog near a river. Spring time

The Water Foundation partners to protect and preserve water for people, for nature, and for our future.

Fishing. Close-up shut of a fish hook under water
A woman explores new, magical, and fantastic places around the world, surrounded by nature and spreading her arms to breathe and relax. Female hiker crossing the forest creek
Taos, New Mexico, USA at Rio Grande Gorge Bridge over the Rio Grande at dusk

As a connector of resources and relationships, the Water Foundation knows water issues are best solved through collaboration. That’s why we strategize across sectors and geographies, working directly with the communities most impacted by water challenges and the most capable of addressing them. Together with the coalitions we convene, the advocates we trust, and the policymakers we work with to implement change, we search for innovative solutions to ensure water is clean, reliable, and affordable for all.

Whether it’s flowing through forests and faucets or used on farms and for families, the Water Foundation is the only intermediary foundation solely focused on water and its interconnected impacts. We are dedicated to advancing lasting solutions that ensure our most vital shared resource is here today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

Our Values

To ensure we do our work effectively and equitably, our decision making on who, what, and how we fund, as well as our overall approach to the work, each other, and to nature itself are all guided by our core organizational values.

Collaboration

Convene and strategize with colleagues internally and externally to advance our collective goals, both across and beyond the water sector.

Humility

Listen and learn as we prioritize the knowledge and leadership of our partners and communities we serve while honoring the power of nature.

Sustainability

Advance intergenerational solutions that sustain the environment and all who rely on it so we enjoy nature for generations to come.

Justice

Align and adapt our policies, practices, and resources so all people and ecosystems have genuine opportunities to thrive.

Transformation

Shape our strategies to build a collaborative, just, and sustainable water future in the U.S. that serves everyone and every place.

Shaping Water Policy: Key Wins

2014

California Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, establishing a framework for protecting vital groundwater resources

2016

California Open & Transparent Water Data Act, improving access to information essential for sound water management

2017

California Central Valley Flood Protection Plan, enhancing climate resilience in vulnerable communities

2018

Measure W: Safe Clean Water LA, securing sustainable funding for green stormwater infrastructure

2018

California Conservation & Efficiency as a Way of Life, advancing sustainable water use practices

2019

New Mexico Water Data Act, strengthening water planning through improved data access

2019

California Safe & Affordable Drinking Water Fund (SAFER), addressing drinking water inequities in underserved communities

2020-2021

Federal and state emergency water assistance, providing essential water support during the pandemic

2021

California Consolidation of At-Risk Water Districts, increasing community access to safe and affordable water

2022

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act water provisions, stewarding billions of dollars of investments in innovative water infrastructure projects

2022

New Mexico Outstanding Waters, protecting pristine waterways for future generations

2023

Texas Water Fund, establishing new resources for water infrastructure and conservation

2023

Columbia Basin Salmon Recovery Agreement, balancing ecosystem needs with water management

2023

New Mexico Regional Water System Resiliency Act, improving water systems operations

2014

California Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, establishing a framework for protecting vital groundwater resources

2016

California Open & Transparent Water Data Act, improving access to information essential for sound water management

2017

California Central Valley Flood Protection Plan, enhancing climate resilience in vulnerable communities

2018

Measure W: Safe Clean Water LA, securing sustainable funding for green stormwater infrastructure

2018

California Conservation & Efficiency as a Way of Life, advancing sustainable water use practices

2019

New Mexico Water Data Act, strengthening water planning through improved data access

2019

California Safe & Affordable Drinking Water Fund (SAFER), addressing drinking water inequities in underserved communities

2020-2021

Federal and state emergency water assistance, providing essential water support during the pandemic

2021

California Consolidation of At-Risk Water Districts, increasing community access to safe and affordable water

2022

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act water provisions, stewarding billions of dollars of investments in innovative water infrastructure projects

2022

New Mexico Outstanding Waters, protecting pristine waterways for future generations

2023

Texas Water Fund, establishing new resources for water infrastructure and conservation

2023

Columbia Basin Salmon Recovery Agreement, balancing ecosystem needs with water management

2023

New Mexico Regional Water System Resiliency Act, improving water systems operations